Lawmakers move to end cultism through stiffer punishment
Lawmakers move to end cultism through stiffer punishment
The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Thursday, organised public hearing on a Bill for a Law to Provide for the Prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism in all Learning Institutions and Communities.
In a speech at the event, the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji, said the bill was to modify existing law on cultism and unlawful societies in the state.
He said that cultism had impacted negatively on society, hence the need to legislate stiffer punishment.
“Cultism has eroded the moral foundation of our educational system and endangered lives.
“To achieve a lasting change, we must adopt a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, school administrators, and civil society,” he said.
Oladiji also said that the menace had become a major social and educational threat in society.
He also said that the scourge had reached an alarming level, particularly among students, saying it must be confronted decisively.
He urged parents, teachers, community leaders and religious leaders to intensify sensitisation efforts and continuously engage young people on the dangers of cultism.
He described cultism as a capital social offence that should attract stricter penalties to serve as deterrent to others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the public hearing was also held on a Bill to establish the Ondo State Coastal and Waterways Management Agency (OSCWMA).
Oladiji emphasised the importance of participatory lawmaking, saying that the legislature cannot function effectively without public inputs.
“We are here today to deliberate on two very important bills.
“The idea behind this public hearing is for every stakeholder to be part of what we are doing.
“The House makes laws for the Sunshine State, but we cannot do it in isolation.
“Every major stakeholder across districts must be involved so that the laws we make will reflect the will and aspirations of the people,” the speaker said.
He described the bill establishing OSCWMA as a visionary step toward harnessing the state’s maritime potential.
“The creation of the coastal agency is not merely a legislative exercise but a vision for social inclusion and sustainable development.
“It aims to unlock the immense potential of our natural resources, while safeguarding our coastal heritage,” Oladiji said.
He encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions, adding that their insights would shape effective and people-centered legislation.
Earlier, the Deputy Parliamentary Secretary and Sponsor of the bill, Mr Oluwatoyin Allen, lauded Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for maintaining peace and initiating development projects in the state.
He described the two bills as timely and essential to the state’s socio-economic and educational growth.
“If these laws are passed and effectively implemented, they will bring numerous benefits to society.
“Many young people join cults out of ignorance, but the consequences are often tragic – from disrupted education to loss of life.
“This law will serve as a deterrent and promote discipline and moral values in our institutions,” Allen said.
On the coastal agency bill, the lawmaker said there was need to establish a regulatory body to manage, protect, and develop the state’s coastal and riverine areas.
“Our waterways are vital to trade, transport, and security.
“Unfortunately, many have become blocked or degraded.
“With this agency in place, it will tackle vandalism, kidnapping, and other crimes in the coastal region.
“The agency will also collaborate with security operatives, such as the Navy, Marine Police, and local surveillance teams through a proposed Coastal Guard Unit to enhance safety and surveillance,” he said. (NAN)
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Tinubu mourns Abubakar’s passing, the Imam who shielded over 200 Christians in his mosque during communal riot
Tinubu mourns Abubakar’s passing, the Imam who shielded over 200 Christians in his mosque during communal riot
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, Chief Imam of Nghar village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau, who passed away at 92.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.
The late cleric gained national and international recognition in 2018 for sheltering more than 200 Christians during communal violence in Plateau.
Tinubu described Abubakar as an extraordinary religious leader whose life exemplified faith, courage and a deep reverence for the sanctity of human life.
“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence and conscience.
“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred and embrace rather than rejection,” the President said.
He said the Imam’s actions embodied the true essence of faith and delivered a powerful message beyond sermons.
The President noted that the cleric’s uncommon bravery earned him local and international honours celebrating peaceful coexistence.
“I urge religious and community leaders to imbibe and preach the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful togetherness as expounded in the life of Imam Abubakar,” Tinubu said.
He prayed that God grants the late Imam eternal rest and rewards him for his courage and good deeds. (NAN)
News
Govt. introduces solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs in jss curriculum
Govt. introduces solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs in jss curriculum
The Anambra Government has introduced 15 entrepreneurial subjects into the Junior Secondary School (JSS) curriculum to enhance students’ practical skills and foster an entrepreneurial mindset.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new subjects include solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs, agriculture and processing, plumbing, tiling, POP installation and event management.
Others are bakery, hairstyling, make-up, interior design, CCTV/intercom installation, digital literacy, information technology and robotics.
Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairperson ,Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), while speaking at the occasion in Awka on Friday, said the initiative was aimed at repositioning education to meet contemporary needs.
Ikediugwu noted that in a rapidly changing world, education should go beyond theory and examinations to equip students with practical skills, creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.
“The goal of the programme is to prepare learners, not only to seek jobs but to create value, generate employment and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the state,”she said.
Mr Cyril Nwuche of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, delivered a paper titled “Building Entrepreneurial Secondary Schools: Why Every School Needs an Entrepreneurship Club”.
Nwuche said the introduction of entrepreneurial subjects showed that the government was on the path to transforming the state’s economy.
“Traditional academic instruction alone is no longer sufficient to prepare children for the future.
“There is the need for schools to embrace practical and skill-based learning to enable students to thrive in a dynamic global environment, ” he said. (NAN)
News
Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
The police in Lagos on Friday, charged two men before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling an 11- year-old girl.
The defendants are: Prince Tomnyie, 40, a businessman, who resides at Agege, and Micheal Adenuga, 24, a furniture maker, who resides at Atere Street in Lekki.
They are standing trial on charges of defilement, and had each pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that they committed the offence sometimes in December 2024, and September 2025, at Langbasa Ajah and Igbara Lekki, Lagos .
The prosecutor alleged that the victim’s father, had taken his daughter for medical check and it was discovered that the minor had been defiled.
The prosecution alleged that the victim had told her father that his friend, Tomnyie, defiled her sometimes ago.
Ademigbuji alleged that the victim also mentioned the second defendant’s name who lives in their neigbourhood.
The offence contravenes the provisons of section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr L. A Owolabi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of of N600,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
He adjourned the case until March 5, for mention. (NAN)
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